In 1993, the town of Löhne celebrated the 1000th anniversary of its district Jöllenbeck. Visitors from Columbus travelled to this celebration and since then, there have been friendly partnership relations. The connection was established by Hans-Günter Lichte, who first came to Columbus in 1988 in search of his wife Edith's ancestors. Like many others from Löhne, they emigrated to America in 1850 and settled in Clifty near Columbus. Over time, lively visits grew into close friendships. Arthur Schwenk and his wife Marcia, both German teachers in the vicinity of Columbus, greatly encouraged the exchange. Meanwhile there is a regular student exchange between Columbus North High School and the town Gymnasium in Löhne.